In our first episode we are joined by Mark Lapping, who's CEO of Aquapak polymers.

Aquapak polymers are a specialist materials technology company developing innovative, sustainable polymer solutions to tackle plastic pollution. Mark's got a fantastic track record in the packaging space. He's been president of Coveris previously and he's held senior leadership roles at Paragon and Mondi.

In this episode, we will be exploring how innovation is reshaping packaging and where the biggest opportunities lie to create commercial value. We'll also dive into the importance of collaboration across the value chain and the evolving challenges around EPR and how leadership skills and capabilities in the sector need to adapt for the future.

In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, Colin Roope sits down with experienced business leader and non‑executive director Paul Hetherington to explore what truly makes a high‑performing board and how executives can successfully transition into non‑executive roles.

With a background spanning executive leadership, government advisory work, and multiple board positions, Paul brings a refreshingly honest and practical view on governance, decision‑making, and the critical role of cognitive diversity in manufacturing leadership.

Whether you're a CEO seeking better board support, or an executive curious about the NED path, this episode is packed with real‑world insight.

In this episode, Elizabeth James, Partner and Head of Education and Government Practices at Berwick Partners speaks with Professor Moira Fischbacher‑Smith and Professor Chris Pearce from the University of Glasgow about the evolving relationship between research and education in a modern, research‑intensive university. They explore how teaching and research can meaningfully reinforce one another, the shifting expectations of today’s students, and the University’s ambitions around interdisciplinary learning, sustainability and future‑focused skills.

Moira and Chris share insights into Glasgow’s 2025–2035 strategy, new initiatives such as Curriculum for Life and Glasgow Changing Futures, and the importance of creating supportive environments where academics can thrive. Their conversation highlights a sector embracing change, students hungry for real‑world relevance, and the “magic dust” of connection, collaboration and shared enthusiasm across disciplines.

In this episode of The SME Leadership Series, Alka Gandhi speaks with Amanda McLaren, a highly respected UK manufacturing leader and the first non-family Managing Director in AW Hainsworth’s 240+ year history. Amanda has also recently been recognised at the 2026 Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards for her leadership as CEO of the Year

Amanda brings over 35 years of experience in UK manufacturing, spanning multiple industry sectors, with more than 20 years at board level, including her previous role as Managing Director of James Heal Textiles.

In addition to her professional leadership, Amanda also serves as Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, reflecting her contribution to industry, skills, and community across the region.

Together, they explore:

Leading Through Disruption with Alun Tribe, CEO of IMIG

In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, the podcast where we explore the journeys of senior leaders across the UK manufacturing sector, we sit down with Alun Tribe, CEO of the International Management Innovation Group (IMIG).

IMIG is a global consultancy working with manufacturers to transform performance, strengthen resilience, and boost profitability. Operating across a wide range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing. IMIG has built a strong reputation for delivering tangible impact. Their ambition is bold: to generate $1 billion in net benefit for clients by 2023, and in 2024 they were recognised with the Institute for Turnaround’s Mid-Market Turnaround of the Year Award.

Under Alun’s leadership, IMIG has expanded significantly on the global stage. Once focused primarily on planned transformation programmes, the business now leads urgent turnarounds and restructuring projects, often stepping in when companies are fighting for survival while still needing to position for future growth.

Alun brings a uniquely broad perspective on how manufacturers can thrive amid disruption and rapid change. With experience spanning decades in senior leadership roles within manufacturing and engineering businesses, both in the UK and internationally, he has a deep understanding of the pressures, opportunities, and inflection points leaders face today.

Alun’s candour, experience, and passion for manufacturing excellence make this a must‑listen episode for anyone leading or aspiring to lead within industrial sectors.

In this inspiring conversation, William Pringle, Partner and Head of Charity, Arts, Culture and Heritage at Berwick Partners, speaks with Suzi Digby OBE, renowned conductor, educator, and cultural innovator, about the extraordinary journey of ORA Singers. As the ensemble approaches its 10th anniversary, Suzi reflects on her bold artistic vision, the renaissance of choral music, and the challenges and opportunities facing the arts today.

In this Berwick Partners podcast, host Elizabeth James, Head of Government, Local Government, and Education Practices, sits down with Beth Chaudhary and Rachel Cooper, Directors of Strategy and Regulatory Compliance at the Food Standards Agency.

Together, they share their decade-long experience as a successful job share duo, offering insights into how this model works at senior levels, why it matters, and the practicalities that make it thrive.

From Engineer to First Time CEO: Alan Brooke’s Journey

On this episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, I’m delighted to welcome Alan Brooke, CEO of Gill Group.

Alan’s career spans a diverse range of organisations—from privately owned businesses to global blue-chips like Wärtsilä and Danaher. His journey from engineering and operational leadership to the CEO seat is a testament to curiosity, adaptability, and a relentless drive for growth.

Today, Alan leads Gill Group, a proudly family-owned business celebrating its 40th anniversary and recently honoured with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. Under his stewardship, Gill has expanded its global footprint, launched new ventures such as Gill Corporate Inc in the U.S., and continued to innovate across its four core businesses.

In this conversation, Alan shares what it takes to transition from functional leadership to the top job, the lessons learned as a first time CEO, and how Gill Group is continuing to shape its market.